The University of Cape Town has welcomed the return of Emeritus Associate Professor Cyril Karabus to South Africa, after being held in the United Arab Emirates since last August.

"We celebrate with Professor Karabus and his family on his return and are grateful that this ordeal is finally over. We support Professor Karabus for working tirelessly throughout his career to care for sick children and have great respect for his personal integrity," said UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price.

Professor Karabus is a former UCT staff member and international expert in the field of paediatric oncology and haematology, and has earned respect from colleagues around the world for his work.

For more than 35 years, Professor Karabus served as the head of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at the Red Cross Memorial Children's Hospital, and as professor of paediatrics at UCT.

Professor Karabus was arrested while in transit through Dubai from the United Kingdom to South Africa, on charges relating to the 2002 death of a three-year-old girl who had acute myeloid leukaemia. During the time, he was working as a locum at the Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi. He treated the young girl, who later died as a result of her illness.

Professor Karabus was tried in absentia on charges of manslaughter and falsifying documents, without having the opportunity to defend himself. Following his arrest, the prosecution was unable to produce evidence despite several court delays, and the court dropped the charges against him.

The Acting Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Professor Susan Kidson, has said she is "relieved and delighted" that the case against Professor Karabus was dropped and that he could finally be reunited with his family.

"The earlier ruling validates his innocence and affirms his integrity as an esteemed health professional who is highly respected by peers and students, and loved by his patients. The global groundswell of support has illustrated this. This has been a traumatic period for him and his family, and we wish them well as they rebuild their lives following this awful experience," said Professor Kidson.